Sedatives & Hypnotics
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Street names: Nembutal, Yellow jackets, Pentobarbs
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Fast deep sedation → anesthesia
⚠Key risks
- Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal
- Narrow safety margin (barbiturate)
✚Overdose signs
- Coma
- Absent breathing
- Pupils dilated then fixed
📋Quick facts
Also known asNembutal, Yellow jackets, Pentobarbs
CategorySedatives & Hypnotics
Schedule / classSchedule II (US)
AppearanceYellow capsules, pink injectable solution (veterinary), powder
Street price~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent (rare, diverted)
Legal statusRx-only, Schedule II; used in physician-assisted death in some jurisdictions under strict law
Last updated2026-09-12
Sources: DEA, FDA
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Schedule II | Barbiturates: tiny margin between dose and death; Fatal in overdose, brutal withdrawal (seizures) — replaced by benzos in medicine | ~$15–$40 per capsule where diverted |
| Carisoprodol (Soma) | Schedule IV | Converts to meprobamate (Miltown) — dependence; Popular 'Soma Coma' mix with opioids — deadly | ~$1–$8 per 350 mg tablet |
| Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Not scheduled | Overdose causes hallucinations, seizures, heart rhythm problems; Abuse usually in combination (potentiates opioids) | ~$1–$5 per 10 mg tablet |
| Butalbital (Fioricet/Fiorinal) | Schedule III | Barbiturate dependence — tolerance builds in weeks; Rebound headaches drive overuse | ~$2–$8 per tablet |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Pentobarbital (Nembutal) look like?
Yellow capsules, pink injectable solution (veterinary), powder
What are the signs of a Pentobarbital (Nembutal) overdose?
Coma; Absent breathing; Pupils dilated then fixed Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal Dependence can develop with regular use.